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The legendary Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Doctor Khumalo became the third disguised A-lister asked to reveal his identity on The Masked Singer South Africa, the local version of the world’s biggest guessing game.
In the launch episode of this fun-filled sing-off featuring big-name stars hidden in spectacular costumes, cutie-pie Zebra turned out to be chef extraordinaire The Lazy Makoti. The following week rugby giant Victor Matfield was unmasked as the tallest and most charming Rooster we’ve ever seen.
Unfortunately, the “balled” head of Soccerman had to roll off next, kicking our beloved 16V, Doctor Khumalo, out of the competition.
This means that nine of the show’s sixteen masked performers have now earned their spots in the next round. Tree, Elephant, Warrior, Hippo, Watermelon, Sunflower, Doughnut, Lollipop and Rhino will return to keep the show’s panel of four detectives, the superfans in the studio and viewers at home guessing. Their aim is to stay anonymous all the way to the end to clinch the country’s coveted new The Masked Singer South Africa trophy.
Even though the honour won’t befall the unmasked Soccerman, he opened this week’s show with an epic rendition of Sipho Hotstix Mabuse’s smash hit “Burnout”.
The four detectives – J’Something of Micasa fame, Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi and Skhumba – were impressed by the performance but stumped by the performer’s identity.
Based on the clues given with Soccerman’s distorted voice, Somizi wondered if it could be Nigerian superstar D’banj. However, Sithelo gathered it could only be a soccer star – perhaps Thembinkosi Lorch or Ithumeleng Khune. Skumba disagreed. This guy could hold a note and was Nimrod Nkosi.
Meanwhile, J’Something, latching onto the radio shown in Soccerman’s intro, surmised it was a sports commentator. His guess was Robert Marawa. When locking in their final predictions, Sithelo settled on Ithumeleng Nkosi, and Somizi changed his mind, putting Lucas Radebe in the mix.
That was before Soccerman’s opponent Doughnut had everyone smiling with “Happy” by Pharell Williams, which sent Soccerman to the danger zone. Later, Rhino joined him as Lollipop proved she was no sucker on stage.
In the end, the panel opted to “Save the Rhino” and had one last chance to guess the name of the man behind the mask before it was taken off. J’Something and Skhumba stuck to their guns with Robert Marawa and Nimrod Nkosi. Sithelo made a U-turn to Lorch, and Somizi put out the name that was right on the money: Doctor Khumalo.
Host Mpho Popps claimed the way the legs moved gave it away, but the unmasked Doc confessed he deliberately tried to confuse the detectives by “throwing the Pirates sign”, hiding his distinctive way of walking and not using his “killer right leg”.
Being on the show was a mind-blowing experience for the soccer legend: “I don’t think my singing is that bad, and I also got to sing my favourite song from Bra Hotstix. I would definitely do this again if I could.”
The Masked Singer South Africa’s Executive Producer, Anele Mdoda from Rose and Oaks Media, says it was an honour to have a legend like Doctor Khumalo on stage: “Each episode will have a jaw-dropping reveal. Expect to see some famous singers, on-screen personalities and even politicians. Who knows, maybe there’s even a former president in a bejewelled costume”.
In the next episode we will meet the four remaining masked characters: Robot, Lion, Fox and Banana
The Masked Singer South Africa is screened on Saturdays at 18:30 on SABC 3 and at 20:00 on SABC 1, and at 20:00 on SABC1. You can also catch the repeat on SABC 1 on Thursdays at 21:00.